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Minggu, 16 Januari 2011

The village of Arborek is fast rising as a pioneer among the 18 beautiful villages in West Papua that have embarked on developing local regulations for community-based marine conservation, For this, the village of Arborek has gained an outstanding reputation among both the local authority and international community. With the assistance of the national and local government, from research centers, and non-government organizations, the local people have succeeded in formulating local regulations, naming their conservation region the Mambarayup and Indip.

Finding underwater beauty is not so difficult here. Along the Arborek pier, divers can simply plunge into the water and instantly find a most intriguing illumination of the glittering of a gorgonian fan just below the surface. People in Arborek are hospitable and very industrious, creating exceptional handicrafts from sea pandan leaves to make the most of their time each day. Arborek is fascinating both underwater and in the village.

Known as the Arborek Tourism Village, the community is known for its handicraft in making hats and noken (string bags). Unlike most women in other villages who also give a hand to their husbands as fishermen, nearly all mothers in this village produce handicrafts for a living. Although they are convinced that catching lobsters and work in pearl agro-production are much more profitable, yet they feel that handicraft is more distinguished and more graceful work for women. This is a village worth visiting. Only one and half hours from Waisai, Raja Ampat’s capital, the village of Arborek is awaiting visitors from around the world.

Weather & Climate of Indonesia - Because of its proximity to equator, Indonesia has tropical climate. Generally, the weather is hot and humid. Indonesian climate is divided into two distinct seasons: dry and rainy seasons. Most of Indonesia has their rainy seasons from October through April, but certain places like Maluku have theirs from March to August. During the rainy season, rain starts around noon and lasts into the afternoon. Some areas can have sudden showers for more than two hours.

The dry season does not mean that there are no rains. In fact tropical showers in a dry season's afternoon is a regular affair. The average annual precipitation is 1800mm. The temperature is almost constant except for the exceptionally rainy season's nights, when it can drop. The temperature on the coast is about 28° C Celsius and drops dramatically in the highlands. For instance, in the highlands of Irian Jaya, temperatures at night can drop to about 7° C, while during daytime they reach to about 22° C.

The beautifully designed Ban Hin Kiong Temple in the heart of Manado’s China Town is 335 years old and is the oldest Chinese temple built here during the Qing Dynasty era in China (1644-1911). It is a house of worship for the Tridharma followers from Manado and the region.

The name Ban Hin Kiong consists of three words, Ban meaning “plenty”, Hin meaning “abundant favors” and Kiong meaning “palace”. Therefore, Ban Hin Kiong means a holy palace that exudes much happiness. At Ban Hin Kiong, a number of annual events are held every Chinese New Year and at Goan Siao or Cap Go Meh.

South Sumatra Governor, Alex Noerdin promised that all venues for the SEA Games will be ready by August. The tennis courts will be ready by April, athletic fields by June, as will be the swimming arena, expected to be one of the best in Asia, said the Governor, as reported in Bisnis Indonesia.

Indonesia is scheduled to host the SEA Games 2011 from 11 – 25 November in two cities, namely Palembang, South Sumatra, and Jakarta. This will be the fourth time that Indonesia hosts the Games and the first time outside the capital. Nonetheless, Jakarta will still act as co-host where half of the 44 competing sports will be staged.

Most of the venues and the athlete village in Palembang will be new constructions, while those in Jakarta will be renovated and upgraded.

As venue for the 26th South East Asian Games 2011, Palembang’s Gelora Sriwijaya sport centre and construction of the Jakabaring main stadium will be ready by June 2011 promised Wafid Muharam, Secretary of the Ministry for Youth and Sports earlier. This will allow ample time for athletes to train and the necessary preparations made prior to the actual opening of the Games.

Logo of the 2011 SEA Games depicts the mythical Garuda bird, Indonesia’s emblem, spreading its wings, with a green line over the top representing Indonesia’s many mountains and a blue line below representing the Indonesian archipelagic seas.

The opening ceremony is planned to be held along Palembang’s wide Musi River with the closing ceremony at the Gelora Sriwijaya.

The 2011 SEA Games are expected to be participated by 11 nations and more than 6,000 atheletes. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to officially open the 2011 SEA Games.